Some of the great composers of the past struggled with depression. Occasionally, their recovery was marked by bursts of productive energy. Robert Schumann composed his Piano Concerto and Symphony No. 2 during one such period and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart answered a bout of the blues by composing one of his operatic masterpieces – The Marriage of Figaro or The Day of Madness.
Here’s the effervescent overture:
Depression is a state triggered for many Canadians by the long, bleak winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was first diagnosed in the 1980s, so we don’t know if this condition affected composers of the past. We’ve learnt that sunlight (and vitamin D) can alleviate depression brought on by SAD, but can we bolster our defenses against the winter blahs by taking a dose of uplifting, happy music?
Perhaps a tonic of Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide:
Or an infusion of Frederic Chopin’s Heroic Polonaise:
It could be worth a try.
What classical cheer for the chill would be your preferred prescription? Let us know below.
Related links:
Bach, Rossini and Ferdinand Ries take a musical ride
Music that moves me: Denzal Sinclaire turns to Bach's cello suites